A new report by Public First finds that delivering high-quality Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) for all homes projected to be built by 2029/30 would unlock significant environmental, social, and economic value.

Managing water sustainably in urban areas is becoming an urgent national priority. Ageing infrastructure, fragmented governance, and growing pressures from climate change and housing expansion all demand new approaches to surface water management. SuDS mimic natural processes to slow, store, filter, and manage rainfall where it falls, offering a proven, nature-based solution with wide-ranging environmental, social, and economic benefits.

This report, commissioned by Enabling Water Smart Communities (EWSC), shows that mainstreaming high-quality SuDS could deliver.

• £36 million in annual water-related benefits and environmental value;
• £219 million per year in welfare value to residents of new builds;
• A £3.1 billion property value premium for the 1.3 million homes;
• An average £4,001 per-home premium in market value associated with high-quality SuDS benefits.

This research highlights strong public appetite for water-smart communities. While awareness of SuDS is low, 63% of future homebuyers say they would pay more to live in a SuDS development, and 62% would pay extra to reduce flood risk. Developers also recognise SuDS’ placemaking and biodiversity benefits but cite inconsistent regulation and unclear maintenance responsibilities as key barriers.

The report calls for decisive action to make high-quality SuDS a standard feature in new developments, including implementing Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, clarifying adoption responsibilities, and promoting SuDS’ amenity value alongside their drainage function.

Click here for the full report.

See here for the polling tables: Public First Poll for SuDS